As we have written about previously here at Only In Your State, New Hampshire's northernmost settlement of Pittsburg is as far away as you can get from the busier southern part of the state without needing a passport. It's one of my favorite places to get away for a remote New Hampshire hike. This is a vast region that borders Vermont, Maine, and Quebec. The human population is limited to a small area with the rest of Pittsburg being owned by lumber companies or the state. Outside of the main population center, you are likely to encounter more moose than people.

It's this wild character of Pittsburg that makes it a haven for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, and boating. Every time I visit, I like to think of it as experiencing a little bit of Canada without crossing the border.

While New Hampshire is known for its multitude of mountains that can be hiked on foot, the upper reaches of the state are a bit different. There are plenty of hills and mountains in Pittsburg but only a select few are accessible by footpath. One of these is the remote Magalloway Mountain, which has a fire tower at the summit that boasts panoramic views into three states and two countries.

Magalloway is one of those hikes where the journey is as much a part of the adventure as the destination. Depending on where home is for you, driving up to Pittsburg can take several hours on its own. Once here, the trip to the trailhead involves a five-mile drive along Magalloway Road, a good gravel road that is frequently used by fast-moving logging trucks (who always have the right-of-way). The final leg of three miles is along a rough road known as Tower Road. This road is somewhat notorious for being narrow with washouts in places. Travel is slow and a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. That said, I've driven it three times in a regular car with no issues. Just gotta go take it easy! It's always hard to predict what the conditions of this road will be each year as the winters seem to bring constant change. One year, the beavers did a number on it and flooded part of the road. All part of the adventure!

From the tiny trailhead, eight miles from the nearest paved highway, hikers can ascend to the summit via Coot Trail (shorter and steeper; the jeep road for the fire tower) or Bobcat Trail (a bit longer but more gradual). I like to make a loop by going up Coot and down Bobcat.

Once on top, you can climb the tower for the views or do a short side trip on Overlook Trail. This path leads right along the edge of high cliffs on the east side of the mountain (use caution due to some sheer drop-offs). These cliffs provide wide views over the vastness of Pittsburg and out toward Maine.

Magalloway Mountain is also on the 52 With A View hiking list and has the distinction of being the northernmost hike on that list. But you don't need to be chasing lists to pay a visit to this wild mountain, just a sense of adventure. For more information on this remote New Hampshire hike, check out the AMC White Mountain Guide for descriptions of Coot and Bobcat Trails, and to get driving directions. You can also check out the chapter on Magalloway in New Hampshire's 52 With A View - A Hiker's Guide for additional details.

Since this is a long drive for most, also take the time to check out other neat spots in Pittsburg, including Garfield Falls and Deer Mountain.